Confluent production apparatus



May 5, 1970 K. LEUTWYLER ETAL 3,5

CONFLUENT PRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Era. 3.

I/vvE/v'raRs. 162/27 ZEUTWYLEZ E .021. W Dav/s Wanna VI. HENSLEE, J

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150 228 lira. 6.

May 5, 1970 K. LEUTWYLER ETAL 3,509,941

CONFLUENT PRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 bINvE/vTo/es.

K027 LEUTWYLEE E021. W Dav/s mwa W HENSLEE, J2. fl W fg IOTTOE/VEV.

May 5, 1970 K. LEUTWYLER EI'VAL 3,509,941

CONFLUENT PRODUCTION APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet .4

Filed April 22, 1968 S E v 3 m vTDH r May 5, 1970 K. LEUTWYLER ETAL3,509,941

CONFLUENT PRODUCTION APPARATUS Filed April 22, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 5United States Patent Ofilice 3,509,941 Patented May 5, 1970 3,509,941CONFLUENT PRODUCTION APPARATUS Kurt Leutwyler and Earl W. Davis,Houston, Tex., and

Waldo W. Henslee, Jr., Lafayette, La., assignors to Baker Oil Tools,Inc., City of Commerce, 'Calif., a

corporation of California Filed Apr. 22, 1968, Ser. No. 723,007 Int. Cl.E21b 23/00 US. Cl. 166-449 32 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREApparatus for producing well fluid from a well traversing spacedproducing earth zones, in which a tool assembly is disposed in the wellcasing between the zones and in sealing engagement with the well casing,the tool assembly having passages adapted to communicate with therespective zones, and a device being positionable in the tool forestablishing communication between a production tubing string and eitherof the respective passages selectively, or both of said passagesconjointly. Such apparatus wherein said device is removably connectibleto a pump for enabling attachment of different devices for production offluid from either of said zones selectively or from both of said zonesconjointly. Such apparatus wherein said device is releasably latched inthe tool and is retrievable on a wire line. Such apparatus wherein saiddevice is carried by a pump and selectively positionable in the tool forenabling production of fluid from one of said zones or from both of saidzones conjointly.

In the production of oil from wells traversing multiple productive earthzones, and, more particularly, two earth zones spaced from one anotherand traversed by the well casing, it has been the practice to perforatethe casing at each of the zones and to produce one of the zones throughtubing disposed in the casing while producing the other zone through thetubing-casing annulus. However, in the absence of sufiicient formationpressure to economically produce both zones, or in the event that theproduction does not equal the allowable rate as prescribed by regulatorylaws, artificial means of production are desirable or necessary tomaintain a satisfactory production rate.

Heretofore, apparatus has been devised which may be set in the wellcasing between the zones, whereby production of the fluids may beselectively, by provision of crossover flow means, alternated in such amanner that the lower zone of a dual completion well may be producedeither through the tubing or through the tubing-casing annulus, whilethe upper zone is produced through the tubing-casing annulus or throughthe tubing, or vice versa. Such a selective cross-over means, however,does not lend itself to the production of both of the productive zonesof a dually completed well by artificial lift or pumping means when therate of production of the well falls below the total allowable by law.

Under these latter circumstances, it is desirable that a typical pump beemployed to effect flow of the well fluid or oil from both of the zones,or either of the zones, selectively, and that it be possible toascertain the rate of production of one of the zones, say the upperzone, so that, as a matter of subtraction, it is possible to determinethe rate of production of the lower zone.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention provides apparatusadapted to be disposed in a well, effectively between the zones of adual completion well, whereby either of the zones may be selectivelyproduced in one flow path defined by well production tubing in thecasing,

More specifically, the invention provides for selective v production ofeither zone through the tubing under the influence of a typical wellpump, such as a sucker rod pump, or the confluent production of both ofthe zones through the tubing.

In accordance with the foregoing, the invention contemplates a toolbody, or a tool body assembly, adapted to be run into a well on tubingand to be disposed in a well casing, the body havingrneans for sealingengagement with the well casing between the casing perforations at thespaced zones, the body also having a flow passage communicating with thetubing, ports being provided for establishing communication between theflow passage in the body and the respective zones, and a device beingprovided to selectively close certain of the ports when it is desired toproduce from only one of the zones through the tubing, or, if desired,to allow confluent passage of fluid from both of the zones through thetubing.

In the practical application of the invention, the devices for closingcertain of the ports are interchangeably disposable in the body or maybe shifted to different positions in the body by manipulation of thepump rods, so as to blank off communication between one of the dualzones and the tubing or to allow communication of both of the zones withthe tubing.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other purposeswhich may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of severalforms in which it may be embodied. Such forms are shown in the drawingsaccompanying and forming part of the present specification. These formswill now be described in detail for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the invention; but it is to be understood thatsuch detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, sincethe scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view in vertical section showing confluent productionapparatus made in accordance with the invention and disposed in a duallycompleted well, and adapted for confluent production from both zones;

FIG. 1a is a detail view in longitudinal section showing a bypassblanking plug for use in the apparatus of FIG. 1 for producing only fromthe upper zone;

FIG. 1b is a view corresponding to FIG. 1a, but showing a separationsleeve for producing only from the lower zone;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of the flowdirecting section of a modified apparatus, for confluent production fromboth zones;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view in vertical section of the flowdirecting section of the apparatus of FIG. 2, but showing the apparatusfor producing only from the upper zone;

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3, but showing theapparatus for producing only from the lower zone;

FIG. 5 is a view in vertical section showing a modified apparatus incondition for confluent production from both zones;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view showing the flow directingapparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, but showing the apparatus incondition for producing only from the upper zone;

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIGS. 6 and 7, but showing theapparatus in condition for producing only from the lower zone;

' FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in vertical section, showing a furthermodified flow control section in condition for producing from bothzones;

FIG. is a view corresponding to FIG. 9, but showing the. apparatusincondition for producing only from the upper zoneg FIG. 11 is a viewcorresponding to FIGS. 9 and 10,

but showing the apparatus in condition for producing only 'means of theapparatus of FIGS. 12 and 13.

Referring to the drawings, the invention, as seen in FIG. 1, involvesthe control of the flow of oil or well fluid from the spaced zones Z1and Z2 of earth formation penetrated by a well bore having casing C settherein, the casing having suitably formed perforations P1 and P2 forestablishing communication between the respective productive zones Z1and Z2 and the casing.

In accordance with the invention, apparatus is provided comprising abody or body assembly 1 having packing means 2 providing a seal forseparating or isolating the casing C between the perforations P1 and P2.The body 1 comprises a body section or receptacle 3 including a reducedlower end 4 provided with seal means 5 adapted to be removably anchoredby latch means at 6a in a tubular packer body 6 in a conventionalmanner. Depending from the upper receptacle 3 is a stinger 7 orelongated nipple which extends downwardly a suitable distance throughthe packer body 6 to the vicinity of the lower well zone Z2, the lowerend 8 of the stinger having 'ports 9 for the admission of fluid from thezone Z2, which passes into the casing C through the perforations P2.Disposed in the stinger 7 is a seat 10 for a conventional retrievablestanding valve assembly 11 including a downwardly seating ballvalve 12adapted to prevent the flow of fluid from zone Z1 into the zone Z2 belowthe packer means 2.

The body section or receptacle 3 has an Opening or pas sage 14 extendingvertically therethrough and leading from the stinger 7 into an upwardlyextended tubing string T which is connected to the receptacle 3 bysuitable means, such as a nipple 15, the tubing, in turn, leading to thetop of the well. This tubing T and the receptacle 3 form with the casingC a tubing-casing annulus 16 above the packing 2 into which fluid passesfrom the upper zone Z1 through the perforations P1.

Axially spaced passage means, including a number of radial ports 17 and18, are provided for establishing communication between the annulus 16and the receptacle passage 14, the ports 18 communicating with theannulus 16 through an elongated passage 19 extending longitudinallyupwardly through the receptacle 3 in laterally spaced relation to thepassage 14. In the illustrative embodiment, the passage 19 is furtherelongated by the provision of a tube 201connected to or otherwise made apart of the receptacle 3, the upper end of the tube 20 being connectedto the tubing T and the passage 19 opening into the annulus 16.

At its upper end, the receptacle 3 is provided with a typical pump seat21 adapted to receive the usually pump anchor 22, which, in theillustrative embodiment, is part of a conventional sucker rod pumpassembly P, including standing valve means 23 having a downwardlyclosing ball valve 24 at the lower end of a pump barrel 25. Reciprocablein the usual manner in the barrel 25 is travelling valve means 26including a downwardly seating ball valve 27, this travelling valvemeans being at the lower end of a reciprocable pump rod 28 extendingupwardly from the barrel 25 for connection to the usual sucker rodstring (not shown) which is caused to reciprocate to lift fluid throughthe tubing string T to the top of the well.

In the embodiment of the invention now being described, the pump anchor22 has connected thereto a downwardly extending flow controlling device30, which may be characterized as a blanking plug in that it comprisesmeans for separating the lateral ports '17 and 18. More specifically,the blanking plug 30 is provided with an upper annular seal 31 adaptedfor sealing engagement with an upper cylindrical sealing surface 31a inthepassage 14, and spaced downwardly from the seal 31 is a secondannular seal 32 adapted for sealing engagement with an intermediatecylindrical sealing surface 32a in the passage 14. Between the seals 31and 32, the blanking plug 30 has a number of radial ports 33 leadingfrom an annular space 34 in the receptacle 3 to a central passage 35 inthe plug 30, this passage opening upwardly and lead ing into the inlet36 of the pump anchor 22, but being closed at the bottom of the plug 30.

It will be apparent that operation of the pump, as shown in FIG. 1, willcause the flow of production fluid from zone Z1, as shown by the arrows,through the perforations P1 into the annulus 16, then through receptacleports 17 into the annular space 34 between seals 31 and 32 and thencethrough plug ports 33 into the passage 35. At the same time, fluid fromzone Z2 may flow, as shown by the arrows, through the perforations P2into the casing C below the packing 2, then into the stinger 7 throughports 9, upwardly through the standing valve 11, through receptacleports 18 below the plug 30, then upwardly through the passage 19 intothe annulus 16, where such fluid from zone Z2 comingles with the fluidfrom zone Z1 for confluent production of the comingled fluids throughthe same path to the top of the earth, namely, through the tubing T. Inthis connection, however, if, as is customary in some wells, across-over device is provided in the tubing string above the pump P, thecomingled fluids may be caused to be produced through the casing.

While the apparatus as described above is adapted to allow the confluentproduction of comingled fluid from the two earth zones, the apparatus isalso adapted to be selectively conditioned to allow production of anythe upper zone Z1 by use of the bypass blanking plug 30a of FIG. 1a, orto allow production of only the lower zone Z2 by use of the separationsleeve 30b of FIG. 1b.

In this connection, the receptacle or upper body 3 includes a third orlower cylindrical sealing surface 40a circumscribing the passage 14 andspaced below the bypass ports 18, there being an enlarged space 41between the sealing surface 32a and the sealing surface 40 from whichthe ports 18 lead.

The blanking plug 30 of FIG. 1 is removably connected to the pump anchor22 by a threaded connection at 42. Thus, as seenvin FIG. 1a, the bypassblanking plug 30a is provided with an internal thread at 43 forconnection to the pump anchor 22 in lieu of the plug 30. This bypassblanking plug 30a is of greater length than the plug 30,v and has anannular seal 40 spaced below its upper seal 31 a sufficient distance asto engage in the sealing surface 40a referred to above when the pump Pis landed on its seat 21. The plug 30a, like plug 30, has the ports 33adapted to communicate withthe ports 17 in the receiver, as well as thepassage 35,, whereby fluid passing into the space 34 may flow intothepassage 35 and thence intothe pump inlet 36. However, since the passage14 in the receiver is blanked off by the seal 40 below the receiverports 17, fluid will be prevented from passing from zone Z2 into theannulus 16, and, therefore, operation of the pump P will be eifective toproduce fluid only from the upper zone Z1. Thus, by subtraction, whenthe confluent production from bothzones is known, the production fromthe lower zone may be determined, as may sometimes be required ordesirable.

On the other hand, it may be desirable to produce only the lower zoneZ2, under which circumstances the separation sleeve or plug b of FIG. lbwill be secured by its internal thread 43 at its upper end to the pumpanchor 22. This sleeve or plug 30]), like the plugs 30 and 30a, has anupper seal 31, and, like the plug 30a, has a lower seal 40 adapted toengage in the sealing surface 40a. In addition, the passage in the plugor slee e 30b opens at its lower end at 35a for entry of fluid from thestinger 7. The plug or sleeve 30b has no radial port between the seals31 and 40, so that when it is in place upon seating of the pump P on itsseat 21, the fluid in the tubing-casing annulus 16 is blocked fromentering the passage 35. Therefore, only the fluid entering the casing Cthrough the lower perforations P2 from zone Z2 will be produced uponactuation of the pump P.

In FIGS. '2, 3 and 4, there is illustrated modified apparatus whereinthe same receptacle 3 and packer 2 may be employed, but the variousplugs are adapted to be run into the receptacle and retrieved from thereceptacle by use of conventional wireline equipment. In addition, thedetails of the receptacle 3 are more fully illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

Referring first to the receptacle 3, it will be noted that the reduceddownward extension 4 is provided by threadedly connecting it as at 4awithin a threaded bore 412 in the lower end of the receptacle 3. Thelatch means M, by which the receptacle is releasably connectible to thepacker body 6, as seen in FIG. 3, comprises a number ofcircumferentially spaced latch arms 6b having thread segments 60. Thebody section 4 is relieved, as at 6d, so that the latch fingers areresiliently flexible inwardly, thereby enabling the latch means to bestabbed into the upper end of the packer body 6. When it is desired thatthe receptacle 3 be separated from the packer body 6. rotation of thereceptacle will cause disengagement of the left-hand thread segmentsfrom complemental left-hand threads in the packer body. Such latches arewell known and require no further reference herein.

At the upper end of the receptacle 3, the tubular member 20 providing anupward extension of the passage 19 is shown as being threaded into athreaded opening 20a in the receptacle 3. In addition, the stinger 7 isshown as being threaded at its upper end into a threaded opening 7a inthe receptacle 3.

Within the passage 14 of the receptacle 3, the lowermost sealing surfacea is shown as being provided within the stinger 7. Above the uppermostsealing surface 31a in passage 14, there is an annular channel or groove50, the purpose of which is to allow the various plugs hereinafter to bedescribed to be latched in the passage 14 by suitable latch meansgenerally denoted at 51. At its upper end, the receptacle includes anipple 52 threaded into an opening 53 in the receptacle and alsothreadedly connected at 21a to a sub 21b, which, as will be apparent,may be, in turn, connected to a pump seat or other device, such as across-over, as previously referred to. It will be understood that,inasmuch as the various plugs now to be described are not connected tothe pump P, the pump seat may be conveniently located at any suitablelocation above the receptacle 3.

In FIG. 2, a blanking plug 130 is shown as having, as in the case of theplug 30, a pair of axially spaced annular seals 131 and 132, with radialports 133 located between these seals and leading into the centralpassage 135 in the plug 130. The upper seal 131 is engageable in thesealing surface 31a and the lower seal 132 is engageable in the sealingsurface 32a in the passage 14 of the receptacle, when the plug 130 isproperly axially positioned in the passage 14. An upwardly facingshoulder 14a in the receptacle passage 14 is engageable with adownwardly facing shoulder 14b 0n the plug 130 to limit downwardmovement of the plug 130 in the passage 14, and the latch means 51,previously referred to, serve to releasably hold the plug 130 againstupward movement in the passage 14, so that the plug 130 is effectivelyheld in position when run into the passage 14.

The upper end of the plug has a recovery head 54 through which thepassage opens, and the latch means 51 includes a number of latchelements 55 resiliently biased to effect latching engagement in thegroove 50 when the plug is landed on the seat 14a, these elements havingportions 56 extending into the passage 135 to cause release of the latchelements 55 upon engagement of a conventional recovery tool with thehead 54. Such latch means and recovery tool are conventional, requiringno further description herein, but illustrative recovery apparatus ismore particularly disclosed in United States Letters Pat. No. 2,885,007.

In the event that it is necessary to balance the pressure across theplug 130, for example, when the plug is to be removed from thereceptacle, means may be provided for this purpose, comprising afrangible tube 57 extended across the lower end of the passage 135 belowthe seal 132 and supported by a perforated screw 58. Breaking of thetube will intercommunicate the passage 135 and nipple 7.

It will now be apparent that when the plug 130 is seated as shown inFIG. '2, the inlet ports 17 of the receptacle communicate with the plugpassage 135 through the ports 133, whereby fluid from the tubing-casingannulus, not shown in FIG. 2, may be produced through the plug 130;while fluid from the casing below the packer, also not shown in FIG. 2,may pass through the lower receptacle ports 18, and passage 19 into theannulus above the packer for confluent production of both fluids fromthe annulus through the ports 17, 133.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown the same receptacle structure with abypass blocking plug 130a in the passage 14. Like the plug 30a of FIG.la, the plug 130a is elongated so that it spans the received ports 18and has a lower seal engageable in the sealing surface 40a below theseports 18. Thus, when the bypass plug 130a is in the receiver, fluid maybe produced or may flow through only the upper ports 17, as shown by thearrows.

In the event that production only from the lower zone is desired, theplug 130a may be retrieved and the separating sleeve or plug 130b, shownin FIG. 4, may be disposed in the receiver 3. This plug 13012 has theseals 131 and 140 for sealing engagement in the seal surfaces 31a and40a, but intermediate these seals the plug 130b is imperforate, whilethe passage 135 opens downwardly into the pasage 14 below the seal 140.Thus, the ports 17 and 18 are blocked off and fluid from the lower zonewill flow directly through the plug 13%.

Passing to FIGS. 5-8, another modified apparatus is shown whichcomprises, as in the previous embodiment, a flow change receiver body 3and a packer assembly including a packing 2, but, here, these twocomponents are interconnected by an intermediate conduit 203 andreleasable, sealed connecter means 204. As in the previous embodiment ofFIG. 1, the apparatus is shown in well casing C extending through spacedproduction zones Z1 and Z2, the casing being perforated at P1 and P2 atthe respective zones, and the receptacle 3 being connected to a stringof production tubing T leading to the top of the well.

The packer assembly as seen in FIG. 5 comprises a body 6, as previouslydescribed, in which is releasably latched by latch means 6a a bodysection 4 having a seal 5 engaged in the body 6 and a downwardlyextended stinger 7, this stinger being provided with a retrievablestanding valve 11 having a downwardly seating ball valve 12, the stingerhaving inlet ports 9 for entry of fluid in the casing below the packing2.

The body 4 at its upper end has a wall 205 provided with an upwardextended tubular neck 206 having lock pins 207 projecting therefrom.Removably connected to the neck 206 is a hollow body 209 of the sealedconnector means 204 having an inner flange 210 provided with openings(not shown), whereby the pins 207 can pass through the flange 210, butrotation of the body 209 will angularly displace the pins from saidslots, as is typical of a bayonet or I slot structure, requiring nofurther specific disclosure herein. A seal ring 211 is provided betweenthe body 209 and the neck 206. The abovementioned conduit 203 isconnected at its lower end to the sealed connector body 209, and at itsupper end to the bodyor receptacle 3 so that fluid may flow from thecasing beneath the packing 2, upwardly through the stinger 7, as shownby the arrows, and thence into the passage 14 of the receptacle 3.

Spaced axially along the passage 14 of the receptacle 3, as best seen inFIGS. and 6, from top to bottom is an upper cylindrical sealing surface231a, in this embodiment formed as part of the pump seat 221, anintermediate sealing surface 232a, and a lower cylindrical sealingsurface 240a. Upper radial ports 217 lead into the passage 14 above thesealing surface 232a, and lower radial ports 218 lead from the passage14 between the sealing surfaces 232a and 240a An elongated passage 219extends downwardly through the receptacle 3, the latter having a tube220 connected thereto to provide a downward extension of the passage219. Thus, fluid entering the annulus from zone Z1 and fluid enteringthe casing C below the packing 2 are comingled as shown by the arrows inFIG. 5, and such comingled fluid may be produced through the tubing T,since the blanking plug 230 is disposed in the passage 14 and has a seal232 engaged with the sealing surface 232a and ports 233 whichcommunicate with the ports 217.

This blanking plug 230 has a central passage 235 which leads to theinlet 236 of a rod pump P having an anchor 222 seating on a pump seat221, as previously described, so that operation of the pump will causeconfluent production of fluid from both of the zones Z1 and Z2. The pumpof FIG. 5 needs no further description herein, except to note that it isa typical, well known rod pump construction including the usual standingvalve 224 and travelling valve 227 operable by a rod 228. Theabovementioned sealing surface 231a is sealingly engaged by seal rings231 carried by the pump anchor 222. In this construction, moreover, theblanking plug 230 is remov ably connected by a threaded joint at 242 tothe pump anchor 222, but, if desired, the anchor and plug may beseparate, and the plug 230 may be provided with latch and recoverymeans, such as, for example, shown in FIGS. 2-4.

In FIG. 7, there is illustrated a modified, plug 230a constituting abypass plug, which, like plugs 30a and 130a, is adapted to block off theflow of fluid from the lower zone Z2 so that only the upper zone Z1 willbe produced. Thus, the plug 230a spans the ports 218 and has a lowerseal 240 engageable in the cylindrical sealing surface 240a. When thisplug 230a is connected at 242 to the pump anchor 222, fluid from thecasing C below the packing 2 is precluded from entering the passage 14of the receptacle 3, and such fluid, therefore, cannot pass into theannulus 16 above the packing 2, from which annulus the pump P lifts theproduction fluid.

On the other hand, if it is desired to produce only the lower zone, aseparation sleeve or plug 230b, as shown in FIG. 8, may be employed toblock off flow of fluid from the annulus through the ports 217 into thepassage 235 in the plug 23012. In this construction, the passage 235 isopen at the lower end 235a of the plug 230b, and there are no lateralports in the plug, such as the ports 233 in plugs 230 and 230a. Thus,the only flow path open through the plug 230]) for the flow of formationfluid is upwardly from the conduit 203, through the plug passage 235,directly to the pump inlet 236 from zone Z1.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, there is shown a further modifiedconstruction involving concentric flow paths for the fluid from therespective zones, as distinguished from the offset by pass flow paths ofthe previously described embodiments.

More specifically, as seen in FIG. 9, the receiver 303 comprises anelongated tubular body having at its lower end a threaded connection304a with a downward extension 304, which, as now will be understood, isadapted to be connected to packer means forming a seal with the wellcasing to separate the tubing-casing annulus 316 above the packer fromthe casing C below the packer, in the typical dually completed wellreferred to above. At its upper end, the receiver is adapted, as willnow be understood, to be connected to a production tubing string.Extending longitudinally through the receiver 303 is a passage 314,there being an upper set of ports 317 and a lower set of ports 318leading into the passage 314 from the annulus 316. Between the ports 317and 318 is a cylindrical sealing surface 332a, and below the ports 318is a cylindrical sealing surface 340a.

In order to condition the apparatus for the confluent production offluid from a pair of spaced well zones, such as the zones Z1 and Z2previously described, a blanking plug 330, generally corresponding tothe plugs 30, and 230 previously described, is adapted to be disposed inthe receiver passage 314. This plug 330 has a seal 332 engageable withthe surface 332a. Above the seal 332, the plug has ports 333 adapted tocommunicate with the upper receiver ports 317 and a central passage 335in the plug 330, so that fluid in the annulus 316 may pass into the plugthrough these ports. At its upper end, the plug 330 is provided with asealing nipple 350 having a seal ring 351 sealingly engageable in thereceiver passage 314 above the ports 317 to provide the uppermost seal.It will be understood that the nipple 350 may be connected to a pump, sothat the plug 330 may be run into the receiver with the pump, aspreviously described, or the plug may be provided with releasable latchmeans so as to be recoverable on a wire line, also as previouslydescribed. In any event, the fluid from below the assembly may flowupwardly through the body 304 into the passage 314 of the receiver 303,thence outwardly through the ports 318 into the annulus 316 above thepacker, where it will comingle with fluid flowing into the annulus 316from the upper well zone. The comingled fluid is then free to flow intothe plug 330 through ports 317 and 333 for upward flow in plug passage335 into the production tubing.

In FIG. 10, the apparatus is shown conditioned to allow production onlyof the upper zone of the well, as in the previously describedembodiments, by a bypass plug 330a, this plug serving to block offcommunication between ports 318 and the casing below the packer, aspreviously described. Thus, the plug 330a is of such greater length thanthe plug 330 that the sealing means 340 engages in the sealing surface340a. In this embodiment, when the plug 330a is in the position shown inFIG. 10, fluid from the annulus only is free to enter the plug passage335 through the ports 318 and the ports 333a in the plug, the fluid fromthe casing below the packer being blocked off.

Referring to FIG. 11, a separation sleeve or plug 33% is shown, whereinthe seal 340 engages in the sealing surface 340a, and the lower end 335aof the plug is open so that fluid from the casing below the packer mayflow upwardly through the plug passage 335. The plug, otherwise, isimperforate so as to preclude flow of fluid from the tubing-casingannulus, and, therefore, only the lower well zone is produced.

Without requiring further illustration herein, it will be understoodthat the respective flow controllers or plugs 330, 330a, and 33015 ofFIGS. 9, 10 and 11, may be either connected to a pump in the mannerillustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, on the one hand, or may be, on theother hand, adapted to be seated and latched in the passage 314 in themanner illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, within the purview of theinvention.

All of the forms of apparatus described above involve the substitutionof the various blanking plugs, bypass plugs, and separation sleeves orplugs in order to selectively produce from either of the two zones orconfluently. Sometimes, however, it is desirable that both zones beproduced normally, but only one of the zones be produced for a period oftime to allow a determination to be made respecting the relativeproduction from the zones as a matter of simple subtraction. In FIGS.12, 13 and 14, there is illustrated a further modified apparatus,wherein the apparatus may be adjusted by simple manipulation withoutpulling the pump or recovering a plug by wire line in order to effectthe change.

As in the previously described embodiments, the casing C is cemented inthe well and extends through the upper and lower producing zones Z1 andZ2, respectively, a suitable packer 2 being set in the casing betweenthe zones so that fluid enters the tubing-casing annulus 16 from zone Z1through perforations P1 above the packer 2, and fluid enters the casingC below the packer 2 through perforations P2 from zone Z2.

In this embodiment, the receiver 403 comprises an elongated body havinga 'bore 414. At its upper end, the receiver body 403 is connected in theusual manner to a string of production tubing T extending to the top ofthe well. A pump seat 421 is provided for seating of the anchor 422 of atypical rod pump P, including a standing valve 423 having a downwardlyseating ball valve 424, and a travelling valve 426 having a downwardlyseating ball valve 427, the travelling valve being reciprocable in thepump barrel 425 by a pump rod 428.

Within the bore 414 of the receiver body 403 is a blanking plug orsleeve 430 having axially spaced annular seals 431 and 432, and the bore414 is defined by axially spaced annular sealing surfaces 431a and 432a.

Between these sealing surfaces 431a and 432a, the body 403 has a numberof radial ports 417 for establishing communication between the annulus16 and the bore 414 when the plug 430 is in one position, as seen inFIG. 12, but such communication being prevented when the plug 430 is inanother or second position, as shown in FIG. 13, wherein the seal 431 isengaged in the sealing surface 431:: and the seal 432 is engaged in thesurface 432a, so as to blank 01f the ports 417.

This plug or sleeve 430 has radial ports 433 leading to a centralpassage 435 in the plug, so that when the ports 417 and 433 communicate,as in FIG. 12, fluid from the annulus 16 may pass into the passage 435and thence to the pump inlet 436, whereby to produce from the upper zoneZ1. In order to produce from the lower zone, a tubular member 450 havinga passage 451 extends downwardly from the plug 430, the passage 451communicating at its lower end with the central opening 452 in thepacker body 404. Thus, fluid from the casing C below the packer 2 maypass upwardly through passages 452, 451, and 435, comingling with fluidentering the passage 435 from the annulus 1 6 through ports 417 and 433for confluent production in response to operation of the pump P.

Means are provided for positioning the plug or sleeve 430 in theposition shown in FIG. 13, at which the seals 431 and 432 straddle thereceptacle ports 417 to prevent flow of annulus fluid into the pump.Such means includes, in this illustrative embodiment, the tubular member450. This member 450 and the body 403 are provided with cooperative pinand slot means, whereby, upon pulling upwardly on the pump rod 428 adistance greater than a normal pumping stroke, the pump P and,therefore, the plug 430, will be moved upwardly to the blanking positionshown in FIG. 13, and thereafter the pump may be operated to producefiuid only from the lower zone.

In this connection, the tubular member 450 is connected to the lower endof the plug 430 by means of a swivel connection at 455. Adjacent itslower end, the tubular member 450 is provided with a pin 456 projectingradially into a control slot 457 suitably formed with the body 403, theconfiguration of which is best seen in FIG. 14. This slot is repetitivein form, and each element of the slot includes a vertical open toppedslot 457a, terminating in an inclined bottom slot 45717 which leads toanother verti cal slot 457e, terminating at its upper end in an inclinedslot 457d which leads to a short vertical slot 457e, terminating in aninclined slot 457f which leads to a short vertical slot 457g,terminating in an inclined slot 457h, this latter inclined slot opening,effectively, into the upper portion of the long vertical slot 457a.Angular guide surfaces 457 and 457k are provided, whereby the pin 456 isalways guided back into a slot 457a following movement of the pin 456upwardly out of one of the slots 457a. The bottoms of slots 457a and457g effectively provide axially spaced shoulders, spaced a distance X,corresponding to the desired range of axial movement of the plug 430.

Therefore, it is apparent that the plug or sleeve 430 will be held ineither a position at which the pump is seated on its seat 421 and thepin 456 is substantially at the bottom of slot 4570, or in an upwardlydisplaced position at which the pin 456 is at the bottom of slot 457g.When it is desired to shift the plug 430 from the first position, asshown in FIG. 12, it is only necessary to lift upwardly on the pump rod428 a distance greater than the pumping stroke, whereby to pull upwardlyon the plug 430, and, as the plug moves upwardly, the pin 456 will becammed angularly in the inclined slot 457d. Thereafter, when the pumprod 428 is lowered, the pin 456 will arrest downward movement of theplug 430 when the pin engages at the bottom of slot 457g to locate thesleeve in the position shown in FIG. 13. In this position, of course,the seal 431 serves to anchor the pump against upward movement in thesame manner that the usual anchor 422 functions to hold the pump on theseat 421.

We claim:

1. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair of spacedwell zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealingly engageablein said well between said zones, a body adapted to be disposed in saidcasing above said packer means, said body having a first flow pathleading between said well pipe and said well outside of said body abovesaid packer means through which fluid from an upper zone can flow, meansproviding a second flow path leading between said well outside of saidbody above said packer means and said well below said packer meansthrough which fluid from a lower zone can flow and corningle above saidpacker means and outside of said body with fluid from said upper zone,and plug means selectively positionable in said body to close off one ofsaid flow paths and to open both of said flow paths, whereby fluid canflow only from one of said zones to said well pipe and confluently fromboth of said zones for comingling above said packer means and outsidesaid body and into said well pipe.

2. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein pumpmeans are provided in said well pipe.

3. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein pumpmeans are removably disposed in said well pipe, and said plug means arepositionable by said pump means.

4. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said plugmeans and said body have cooperative means for positioning said plugmeans.

5. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said plugmeans and said body have cooperative means for positioning said plugmeans including releasable latch means on said plug means, said plugmeans having means engageable by a recovery tool for releasing saidlatch means for allowing removal of said plug means from said body.

6. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein saidplug means and said body have cooperative means for positioning saidplug means including pin and slot means for positioning said plug means,and means for 1 1 g moving said plug means to operate said pin and slotmeans. V

7. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein saidplug means and said body have cooperative means for positioning saidplug means including pin and slot means for positioning said plug means,and means for moving said plug means to operate said pin and slot meansincluding pump means disposed in said tubing and connected to said plugmeans. I

' 8. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saidbody is provided with an elongate passage having axially spacedcylindrical sealing surfaces and a radial port in said first flow pathleading into said passage from outside of said body between said sealingsurfaces, and said plug means comprises a tubular member having sealsengageable with said sealing surfaces, said plug means having a passagetherein leading to said well pipe, and an opening in one of said flowpaths leading into said passage in said plug means.

9. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein saidopening is in said first flow path and comprises a port in said plugmeans between said seals.

10. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein saidopening is in said second flow path and comprises an open end of saidplug means.

11. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathseparate from said first flow path and leading between said well outsideof said body above said packer means and said well below said packermeans, and plug means selectively positionable in said body to close offone of said flow paths and to open both of said flow paths, wherebyfluid can flow only from one of said zones to said well pipe andconfluently from both of said zones to said well pipe, wherein said bodyis provided with an elongate passage having axially spaced upper,intermediate, and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces and a radial portin said first flow path leading into said passage from outside of saidbody between said upper and intermediate sealing surfaces, said plugmeans comprises an elongate member having sealing rings for engagementwith certain of said sealing surfaces, and said plug means having apassage therein leading to said well pipe and an opening in said secondflow path communicating with said passage.

12. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer" means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathseparate from said first flow path and leading between said well outsideof said body above said packer means and said well below said packermeans, and plug means selectively positionable in said body to close offone of said flow paths and to open both of said flow paths, wherebyfluid can flow only from one of said zones to said well pipe andconfluently from both of said zones tosaid well pipe, wherein said bodyis provided with an elongate passage having axially spaced upper,intermediate, and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces and a radial portin said first flow path leading into said passage from outside of saidbody between said upper and intermediate sealing surfaces, and said plugmeans comprises an elongate member adapted to be disposed in saidpassage and having a central passage opening upwardly into said wellpipe and a port in said second flow path, said elongate member havingsealing rings engageable with said upper and intermediate sealingsurfaces.

13. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between-said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathseparate from said first flow path and leading between said well outsideof said body above said packer means and said well below said packermeans, and plug means selectively positionable in said body to close offone of said flow paths and to open both of said flow paths, wherebyfluid can flow only from one of said zones to said well pipe andconfluently from both of said zones to said well pipe, wherein said bodyis provided with an elongate passage having axially spaced upper,intermediate, and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces and a radial portin said first flow path leading into said passage from outside of saidbody between said upper and intermediate sealing surfaces, and said plugmeans comprises an elongate member adapted to be disposed in saidpassageand having a central passage opening upwardly into said well pipe and aport in said second flow path, said elongate member having sealing ringsengageable with said upper and lower sealing surfaces, said port of saidelongate member being between said sealing rings.

14. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading-between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathseparate from said first flow path and leading between said well outsideof said body above said packer means and said well below said packermeans, and plug means selectively positionable in said body to close offone of said flow paths and to open both of said flow paths, wherebyfluid can flow only from one of said zones to said well pipe andconfluently from both of said zones to said well pipe, wherein said bodyis provided with an elongate passage having axially spaced upper,intermediate, and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces and a radial portin said first flow path leading into said passage from outside of saidbody between said upper and intermediate sealing surfaces, and said plugmeans comprises an elongate member adapted to be disposed in saidpassage and having a central passage therethrough in said second flowpath, said elongate member having sealing rings engageable with saidupper and lower sealing surfaces.

15. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathleading between said well outside of said body above said packer meansand said well below said packer means, and plug means selectivelypositionable in said body to close ofl? one of said flow paths and toopen both of said flow paths, whereby fluid can flow only from one ofsaid zones to said well pipe and confluently from both of said zones tosaid well pipe, wherein said body is provided with an elongate passagehaving upper and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port insaid first flow path above said upper sealing surface leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, a radial port in saidsecond flow pathbetween said upper and lower sealing surfaces leading into said passagefrom outside of said body, and said plug means comprises an elongatemember having a central passage leading to said well pipe and an openingin one of said flow paths, said elongate member having sealing ringmeans engageable with one of said sealing surfaces.

16. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outsideofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathleading between said well outside of said body above said packer meansand said well below said packer means, and plug means selectivelypositionable in said body to close off one of said flow paths and toopen both of said flow paths, whereby fluid can flow only from one ofsaid zones to said well pipe and confiuently from both of said zones tosaid well pipe, wherein said body is provided with an elongate passagehaving upper and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces, a radialport insaid first flow path above said upper sealing surface leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, a radial port in said second flowpath between said upper and lower sealing surfaces leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, said plug means comprises an elongatemember having a central passage and an opening in one of said flowpaths, said elongate member having sealing ring means engageable withone of said sealing surfaces, and including support means sealinglyengaged in said passage in said body for supporting said plug means andhaving an opening leading from said passage in said body into said wellpipe.

17. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a Second flow pathleading between said well outside of said body above said packer meansand said well below said packer means, and plug means selectivelypositionable in said body to close off one of said flow paths and toopen both of said flow paths, whereby fluid can flow only from one ofsaid zones to said well pipe and confluently from both of said zones tosaid well pipe, wherein said body is provided with an elongate passagehaving upper and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port insaid first flow path above said upper sealing surface leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, a radial port in said second flowpath between said upper and lower sealing surfaces leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, and said plug means comprises anelongate member having a central passage opening upwardly and a port insaid first flow path, said elongate member having sealing ring meansbelow said port engageable with said upper sealing surface.

18. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said Well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathleading between said well outside of said body above said packer meansand said well below said packer means, and plug means selectivelypositionable in said body to close off one of said flow paths and toopen both of said flow paths, whereby fluid can flow only from one ofsaid zones to said well pipe and'confluently from both of said zones tosaid well pipe, wherein said body is provided with an elongate passagehaving upper and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port insaid first flow path above said upper sealing surface leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, a radial port in said second flowpath between said upper and lower sealing surfaces leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, and said plug means comprises anelongate member having a central passage opening upwardly and a port insaid first flow path, said elongate member having sealing ring meansbelow said port engageable with said lower sealing surface.

19. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathleading between said well outside of said body above said packer meansand said well below said packer means, and plug means selectivelypositionable in said body to close off one of said flow paths and toopen both of said flow paths, whereby fluid can flow only from one ofsaid zones to said well pipe and confluently from both of said zones tosaid well pipe, wherein said body is provided with an elongate passagehaving upper and lower cylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port insaid first flow path above said upper sealing surface leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, a radial port in said second flowpath between said upper and lower sealing surfaces leading into saidpassage from outside of said body, and said plug means comprises anelongate member having a central passage therethrough, said elongatemember having sealing ring means en gageable with said lower sealingsurface.

20. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein saidbody is provided with an elongate bore having upper and lowercylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port in said first flow pathleading into said bore between said sealing surfaces, said plug meansincluding an elongate member having a central opening therethrough insaid second flow path, said elongate member having upper and lowersealing rings and a port in said first flow path above said uppersealing ring and including means for selectively positioning saidelongate member in a first position with said upper and lower seal ringsengaged with said upper and lower sealing surfaces to close said firstflow path and a second position with said upper and lower seal ringsengaged with said lower sealing surfaces to open said first flow path.

21. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein saidbody is provided with an elongate bore having upper and lowercylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port in said first flow pathleading into said bore between said sealing surfaces, said plug meansincluding an elongate member having a central opening therethrough insaid second flow path, said elongate member having upper and lowersealing rings and a port in said first flow path above said uppersealing ring and including cooperative pin and slot means in said bodyand carried by said elongate member for selectively positioning saidelongate member in a first position with said upper and lower seal ringsengaged with said upper and lower sealing surfaces to close said firstflow path and a second position with said upper and lower seal ringsengaged with said lower sealing surfaces to open said first flow path.

22. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein saidbody is provided with an elongate bore having upper and lowercylindrical sealing surfaces, a radial port in said first flow pathleading into said bore between said sealing surfaces, said plug meansincluding an elongate member having a central opening therethrough insaid second flow path, said elongate member having upper and lowersealing rings and a port in said first flow path above said uppersealing ring and including cooperative pin and slot means in said bodyand carried by said elongate member for selectively positioning saidelongate member in a first position with said upper and lower seal ringsengaged with said upper and lower sealing surfaces to close said firstflow path and a second position with said upper and lower seal rings 15engaged with said lower sealing surfaces to open said first flow path,said pin and slot means including a tubular member, means swivellyconnecting said tubular member to said elongate member, said tubularmember having an opening in said second flow path communicating withsaid passage in said elongate member, said tubular member having a pin,and said body having a slot configuration including axially spacedshoulders engageable by said pin for holding said elongate member insaid first and second positions.

23. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing throughproduction tubing a pair of spaced well zones in which a perforatedcasing is set: a well packer having means sealingly engageable with thecasing besage below said lower port and establishing communicationbetween said upper port and said passage, and for closing 01f both ofsaid ports and establishing communication between said tubing and saidcasing below said packer.

24. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein pumpmeans are provided in said tubing, said pump means having an inletcommunicating with said plug means.

25. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 23,

'wherein pump means are provided in said tubing, and including means forremovably connecting said plug means to said pump means for selectivelypositioning said plug means in said passage.

26. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim 23, whereinreleasable latch means are provided for releasably retaining said plugmeans in position.

27. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said body is provided withan upwardly opening second passage communicating with said lower port.

28. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, wherein said body is provided witha downwardly opening second passage communicating with said lower port.

29. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, including releasable latch meansfor connecting said body to said packer.

30. Apparatus as defined in claim 23, including releasable sealingcoupling means for interconnecting said body to said packer, and aconduit leading from said coupling means to said passage in said body.

31. In oil well producing apparatus for use in producing a pair ofspaced well zones through a single well pipe: packer means sealinglyengageable in said well between said zones, a body adapted to bedisposed in said casing above said packer means, said body having afirst flow path leading between said well pipe and said well outside ofsaid body above said packer means, means providing a second flow pathseparate from said first flow path and leading between said well outsideof said body above said packer means and said well below said packermeans, and plug means selectively positionable in said body in saidfirst flow path to close off one of said flow paths and to open both ofsaid flow paths, whereby fluid can flow only from one of said zones tosaid well pipe and con- .fiuently from both of said zones to said wellpipe.

32. Oil well producing apparatus as defined in claim flow paths and toopen both of said flow paths.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1961 Dafiin et al. 166-18911/1962 Calvert et a1 166-313 9/1965 Bayless 1 166-106 4/1966 Donaldsonet al. 166189 11/1966 Hodges 166313 JAMES A. LEPPINK, Primary ExaminerU.S. Cl. X.R.

